Freegle Dont throw it away give it away

The Idea “Don’t throw it away, give it away” • The problem: • Average

Using it • Local virtual communities • Go to http: //ilovefreegle. org • Find

Why it works • Makes it easy – low barrier to entry • Variety

“What a waste” “It’s a shame to throw it away” “Someone could use this…but

Running It • What needs doing? – Moderating groups – Spreading the word –

What Councils Have Done • Varies enormously • Some excellent – Fund banners, leaflets,

“Waste not, want not” “Out of site, not out of mind” “Why tip it

Big Society • Could there be a better example? • Volunteers and local communities

What Next? • We don’t need money (much) • We need publicity – Opening

Summary “Don’t throw it away, give it away” • Simple brilliant idea …underpinned by

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Freegle “Don’t throw it away, give it away”

The Idea “Don’t throw it away, give it away” • The problem: • Average person in the UK sends about 319 kg to landfill per year • The solution • Free gifts to keep “stuff” out of landfill • Sofas, computers, clothes, Giant African Land-Snails, World War II air-raid shelters… • Free to join, free to use • Saves money, effort and the planet

Using it • Local virtual communities • Go to http: //ilovefreegle. org • Find a local group on Yahoo, e. g. http: //groups. yahoo. com/group/Edinburgh. Freegle • Reply to WANTED or OFFER mails • Send them yourself • People sort out collection between themselves

Why it works • Makes it easy – low barrier to entry • Variety of motives – Environment – Community – Finance – Convenience • Technology creating community

“What a waste” “It’s a shame to throw it away” “Someone could use this…but who? ” “It’s nice, but just not right for me” “It doesn’t fit me any more”

Running It • What needs doing? – Moderating groups – Spreading the word – Tools and Processes • Who does it? – Entirely volunteer-run – 265 groups across the UK – 1. 1 million members – Hundreds of volunteers

What Councils Have Done • Varies enormously • Some excellent – Fund banners, leaflets, business cards – Tip sites, schools, libraries, roadshows • Some minimal – Website link – Erm…. that’s it • Under the radar

“Waste not, want not” “Out of site, not out of mind” “Why tip it or skip it when you can give it away? ” “Don’t use it, lose it” “Surely someone would want this? ”

Big Society • Could there be a better example? • Volunteers and local communities can achieve so much • …and only so much • Should be easy – we’re saving councils money

Junk…. or Community Greenhouse?

What Next? • We don’t need money (much) • We need publicity – Opening doors – Media – Promotion • And co-operation/permission – Stickers on wheelie bins – Banners at tips – Special uplifts

Summary “Don’t throw it away, give it away” • Simple brilliant idea …underpinned by technology • Throwing stuff away should be like drink-driving …responsible citizens just don’t do it • Unique virtual movement …volunteer run • We need publicity, not funding